Blue Birds leave the nest at OFE gardens

A baby bluebird looks at the world outside its nest before flying away

OFE gardeners  were treated with an awesome spectacle last week.  The baby bluebirds in the nest box on the red shed decided to leave the nest during morning garden maintenance.  At first, Mother and Father Bluebird left the nest but were nearby making a lot of noise, alerting humans to stand back (we didn’t). One by one, the little birds poked their heads out, and then made the leap of faith into the outside world.  Each one landed on the fence of the main garden, and after resting a few minutes, flew away.  Mother Bird stayed near the fence to encourage her babies.  

This little bird just barely made the first leap to the fence. He eventually righted himself and flew away with the others

The last little bird landed upside down on the fence, and took a little longer to orient itself before flying off to the trees.

This is the second brood to fledge at the main gardens.  Students have been delighted to watch the birds make their nest and fly back and forth to feed their babies many yummy worms  and caterpillars that are abundant in the gardens.
Photos by Gudrun Opperman

4 Responses

  2. I think the OFE gardeners should get a garden cam to capture this and other events that happen in the garden. There is so much activity going on all around us and we are oblivious to it or at the very best wonder about it.

  3. How awesome to see these babies take their first flight into the big world. Thanks so much for sharing this with us!

  4. We have a large Purple Martin house just a few feet away from the bluebird box. They too, are fledging right now. Lots of conversations by the parents and young birds.